Bowmore 26 Year Old 1985 Limited Edition

This Vintage 1985 Limited Edition is a mix of bourbon en sherry cask, that matured for 26 long years in the famous No. 1 Vaults, the Bowmore warehouse below sea level. It comes in a nice presentation box with a signed certificate from distillery manager Eddie MacAffer.

The nose is surprisingly fresh with vanilla, white fruit, violets (the flowers) and lavender that quickly drown out the initial maritime elements. The peat, the sea weeds, the hearth, they all succumb to the power of the sweet side. A clear hint of mercurochrome lingers in the background. Unfortunately it quickly becomes quite perfumy. If you ask me, it even turns somewhat soapy. Oh, oh, this is not looking good.

It is soft on the palate with absolutely no burn, despite the high ABV. The white fruit returns, joined by honey and spices. Even some gooseberries. Sea salt and a lot of pet. But again, on the palate as well, lavender and violets make it perfumy. No, I do not enjoy this. The soap is a bummer.

The finish is long, salty and smoky, but you cannot get the soap out of your mouth. Rinse, please!

This can be yours for 400 EUR. Not cheap, but what a whisky! Sarcasm, anyone?

Find where to buy Bowmore whisky